Thanksgiving Day brings visions of turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and stuffing. We work in the kitchen for hours and enlist help with all the traditional dishes. The beautiful table, spilling over with a delicious spread, is definitely the main attraction. Let us also think about what else the day includes. Spending time with loved ones and showing gratitude are special parts of the holiday. Families and friends take the opportunity to count their blessings and spread the love on this warm and cozy day.
To occupy the slower evening hours, or over the holiday weekend, try adding some fun and purposeful activities to your get-togethers. These could become new traditions that will build meaningful memories with each gathering. Here are some ideas:
Crafts & Games - Keep kids busy while waiting for the turkey by providing some turkey crafts or a “What I’m Thankful For” coloring page to inspire their creativity and gratitude. Also, pull together a Thanksgiving bingo or corn hole game to involve the whole group.
Keep a Record - Use the chance when you have a captive audience to fill in the family tree facts, collect family memories, or collect a written or video update on each person. Afterward, take the opportunity while your crew is gathered to get some photos taken.
Gratitude Projects- Create a Gratitude Tree on a poster and have each individual decorate a leaf to add to the tree. Write down cherished blessings on the leaves. This tree is a visual reminder of togetherness and gratitude. Then, enlist the many hands to tie a quilt to give away or sign up for a service project to give back to someone else in the community.
We have so much for which to be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving 2023!